updated 04:58 am EDT, Tue April 15, 2014

Google Glass update bundles media together for simpler navigation

Google has revealed it will be updating Glass to Android KitKat later this week. While the update introduces a number of changes, including a more refined photographic experience, Google has decided to remove its video calling function from the wearable device, claiming that it has received poor user feedback over the function, and that less than ten percent use it in the first place.

The Android update will apparently bring improved battery life and reliability, claims Google, with developers also able to develop apps for the device using more recent Android SDK features. Google has also changed the way of sending feedback, with an option on the device info card supplementing existing e-mail and calling methods, as well as the Explorers Community.

Google Glass photo bundles

Image-related changes will be more apparent to users in the software update. Scrolling through the timeline will show videos, photographs, and "vignettes" from each day organized into bundles, saving the number of swipes. Hangouts has been updated to make it easier to send photos as replies, with the Reply button adding the option to take a picture rather than sending an existing image. The initial speech command interface shown when stating "OK Glass" or tapping has been changed to show voice commands sorted by recency and frequency as a reminder.

The Android update announcement comes on the same day as Google will sell Glass directly to the public. Starting from 9am EDT, a limited number of adults in the US can spend $1,500 plus local sales tax on the device, via the Glass website.